Microbiota influences on hematopoiesis and blood cancers: New Horizons?

Hematopoiesis governs the generation of immune cells through differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into various progenitor cells, a process controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among extrinsic factors influencing hematopoiesis is microbiota, the collection of microorganism presents in various body sites. The microbiota has profound impact on host homeostasis by virtue of its ability to release various molecules and structural components which promotes normal organ function. In this review, we will discuss the role of microbiota in influencing hematopoiesis, how disrupting microbiota/host network could lead to hematological malignancies and highlight important knowledge gaps to move this field of research forward.